Apparel Maker Posts Rise
In First-Quarter Net Income

Jones Apparel Group Inc. said its first-quarter earnings jumped 22%, enhanced by strong wholesale orders and department-store sales in all of its divisions.

The New York women's apparel maker said its net income rose to $20.3 million, or 76 cents a share, from $16.7 million, or 64 cents a share, a year earlier. Sales grew 36% to $260.4 million from $192 million.